Building on shared experiences: The evaluation of a phone-based parent-to-parent support program for helping parents with their child's substance misuse. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carpenter, Kenneth M.; Foote, Jeffrey; Hedrick, Tom; Collins, Kevin; Clarkin, Sean
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 100(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Peer support -- Community reinforcement and family training -- Motivational interviewing -- Peer recovery support services -- Acceptance and commitment therapy; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a phone-based parent-to-parent support program, in which parents who have had children with substance use problems provided support and guidance to other parents seeking help about their child's substance misuse. Method: 228 parents completed a 2.5-day coach workshop and 6-months of ongoing training and support in the Invitation to Change Approach (ITC), a program blending evidence-based strategies for addressing substance use disorders. Trained parent coaches provided support and guidance to 278 parents for up to 8 weeks. We evaluated the coach trainees' satisfaction with the training program and pre-post differences in self-care and the use of communication and behavior management strategies among parents who called the helpline. Results: The coach training program was rated as very satisfying, useful, and coaches would recommend the training to other parents. Among parents enrolled in the coaching program, a significantly greater proportion reported improvements on a majority of the survey items (e.g. a decrease in depression and better communication with child). Conclusions: Remote parent-to-parent coaching appears promising for providing emotional and evidence-based informational support to family members parenting a child with substance use problems. Highlights: Parents of a child with a SUD are motivated to provide information and emotional support to other parents. Being trained to provide peer support in the context of evidence-based practices was rated as highly acceptable and useful. Parents receiving peer-to-peer support reported improvements in their emotional distress and the use of helping strategies. Parent-to-parent phone-based coaching can introduce families to evidence-based practices and support.